Weight-room users at the Cheam Leisure Centre in Chilliwack can look forward to upgrades in the near future.
City council recently approved more than $280,000 to be spent at the facility, mostly for new strengthening equipment. The weight room hasn't seen a significant upgrade since the facility was built in 2002, something echoed by Coun. Bud Mercer during a brief discussion about the funding.
"I support this fully," he said, having been a long-time member of the facility. He added that the equipment there today is "the same equipment I was working on 20 years ago."
Photographs attached to the staff report for the March 11 council meeting show aging equipment, including torn seat pads. Mercer noted that the new equipment will not only be better, but be safer for users.
The upgrade means a full change in the layout of the weight room, too. A design team reviewed the existing layout and explored ways to optimize the layout with the new equipment. The report says that team included a fitness design professional, YMCA personnel and city staff.
"Through this process, additional floor space was identified by removing redundant machines and incorporating more space-efficient equipment," the report states. "This not only improves user flow but also allows for greater accessibility and a more dynamic workout environment."
There will also be new flooring, painting, and cabinetry enhancements to "refresh the space."
The weight room will be equipped with Life Fitness products, via LIV unLtd., a company that has done work for YMCAs around the province.
This upgrade aligns with one made at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre in May 2024, with a price tag of nearly $345,000. That work was completed in August.
"The standardized approach across facilities ensures familiarity for users and consistency in quality across city-owned fitness spaces," the report states.
A breakdown of the total cost of $281,872.74 includes $79,243.79 for selectorized (cable machines with pm weight selection), $60,116.21 for plate-loaded machines, $52,588.60 for weight plates and associated equipment (ex. benches, bars, racking), $56,406.55 for selectorized multi-gym, with accessories, $17,517.59 for functional fitness, stretching and storage, and $16,000 for delivery, install and testing of new equipment.
It also includes a buy-back value of old equipment of about $16,000.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the funding.
